These are unprecedented times, and we hope you and your families are staying safe. We are writing with IMPORTANT news about recent changes to the Pennsylvania primary election related to COVID 19. In order to protect the health and safety of all voters, poll workers, and election officials while also ensuring access to voting, the legislature, Governor Wolf, and the Department of State worked together to pass legislation to reschedule the PA primary election to Tuesday, June 2nd.
Additionally, thanks to historic legislation passed last fall, ALL Pennsylvania voters now also have the ability to vote by mail without having to provide an excuse – for any reason or no reason at all. You can apply for mail-in ballots online, by mail, or in person, until one week before the election. For the 2020 primary, mail-in ballot applications must be received by your county election office by 5:00 pm Tuesday, May 26th. Applying online is very easy and quick, and even better, if you enter your email address, you will receive notifications as to the status of your application and ballot along the way. Once you receive your mail-in ballot, you now have until 8:00 pm on June 2nd to deliver your completed ballot to your county election office, but you should drop it off or mail it as early as you can to ensure it is delivered by that time.
Voters who have already requested a mail-in or absentee ballot will receive your ballot for the rescheduled primary. There is no need to apply again if you have already done so.
Other important election-related deadlines will change along with the new primary date. The new deadline to update your voter registration is Monday, May 18th. Please visit www.register.votespa.com to update your registration today.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these changes. The Department of State is committed to keeping voters informed. To stay up-to-date with the latest and most accurate election information in Pennsylvania, visit votesPA.com, or contact your county election office.
Sincerely,
Secretary of the Commonwealth